PF executes warrants against Rio deputy suspected of links to the militia

State deputy Lucinha Helena (PSD), from Rio de Janeiro, is the target of a Federal Police operation this Monday (18) on suspicion of links with the Rio militia. Operation Baptism carries out eight search and seizure warrants at various addresses belonging to the parliamentarian and an advisor, including her office at the state Legislative Assembly (Alerj).

The action is an offshoot of operation “Dinastia”, launched in August 2022, which aimed to dismantle a criminal organization formed by militiamen in the same region.

Around 40 federal police officers carry out eight search and seizure warrants in neighborhoods in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, such as Campo Grande, Santa Cruz and Inhoaíba. The court also ordered the immediate removal from legislative functions, prohibition of contacts with certain public agents and politicians, as well as the prohibition of attending the legislative house.

“The investigations point to the active participation of a state deputy and her advisor in the criminal organization, especially in political articulation with public bodies aiming to meet the interests of the militia group, investigated for criminal organization, trafficking in firearms and ammunition, homicides, in addition to extortion and corruption”, explains the PF in a note.

Lucinha is named by the PF as the political arm of Luís Antônio da Silva Braga’s militia, Zinho, one of the most violent in the city, according to the investigation. GloboNews. A People’s Gazette tries to contact the corporation, the deputy and Alerj.

Also according to the corporation, the operation was named “Batismo” because of the nickname with which the militiamen referred to Lucinha, calling her “godmother”.

The work was carried out by the PF Sensitive Investigations Group (GISE/RJ) and the Drug Repression Police Station (DRE/PF/RJ) in conjunction with the Public Ministry of the State of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ), through the Attorney’s Office General of Justice – PGJ.

Deputy is suspected of interfering in public security in Rio

This Monday’s action (18) is an offshoot of Operation Dynasty, which was launched in August 2022 to deepen the investigation into Zinho and his associates, accused of participating in a “widespread slaughter” in the war between factions in Rio de Janeiro. The investigation indicates that the group was responsible for the death of a police officer in 2021.

Information from the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) obtained by TV Globo revealed the involvement of Lucinha and one of her advisors with the leadership of the militia led by Zinho.

The most serious accusations against the parliamentarian include suspicion of interference in public security, attempted change in command of the PM battalion in Santa Cruz (a region under the control of Zinho’s militia), leaking information about police operations and political action in favor of the militia, especially in public van transport in the West Zone.

More information in a moment.